I thought I would update everyone on my latest news. I have been experiencing a lot of pain in my left hip region for the past few weeks. I had an MRI of the left hip done on Tuesday. The hip looked good. Then, they did an MRI of my lower lumbar region on Friday. The MRI showed that one of the tumors in my L5 vertebrae/sacrum area is pushing on nerve endings.
The Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Rhees, recommended that I do radiation Monday through Friday for three weeks. This should shrink the tumor and relieve the pressure. This treatment should not have any bad side effects. The doctor prescribed meds for nerve specific pain and a steroid to reduce the inflammation caused by the radiation.
I had my tumor marker test on Thursday. The results showed that my markers went up from 52.9 to 63.4. We are not sure if Dr. Gupta will change my current treatment of Faslodex to something else. Dr. Rhees said that I will definitely keep doing the once monthly infusion of Zometa. So, I guess we will just wait and see what he decides is best.
We were really impressed by this team of doctors and their proactive response to my situation. They are all big believers in "quality of life" and recommend treatments that support that philosophy. We feel I am in good hands.
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Good News!
I just wanted to share that my new treatments seem to be working. My tumor markers dropped ten points. I will continue using this treatment on a monthly basis. My next appointment with Dr. Gupta is scheduled for September 27th and we will get the results of the next tumor marker test then. Thank you so much for all of your prayers!! Please continue to pray that this treatment protocol works. My body is accepting it really well with no adverse side effects.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Happy 40th Birthday!!
I turned 40 on June 17th and had a great birthday. However, Rob pulled off the surprise of my life by throwing me an awesome party at French Lick a week later. All of our immediate family was there. I couldn't believe everyone had come down to help celebrate my big day.
We all stayed at the West Baden hotel. It is really spectacular. It is something you have to see in real life to appreciate the beauty of it. Some of us even had balconies that looked out into the atrium. It was so neat at night.
Some of the guys golfed while a few of us girls hit the spa. Everyone hung out by the pool and enjoyed visiting. Rob arranged for a trolley to take us to Hagen's for dinner. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The food was delicious!
Dancing, bowling, and a little bit of gambling at the casino made for a lot of great entertainment for all. Some of the kids even went horse back riding. The girls loved hanging out with all of their cousins. We all had a blast.
It was a great weekend. One that I will never forget. Rob did an incredible job planning the whole weekend. I can't even imagine how much time and effort he spent to pull it off. Now he has another year to plan my next birthday surprise! :)
We all stayed at the West Baden hotel. It is really spectacular. It is something you have to see in real life to appreciate the beauty of it. Some of us even had balconies that looked out into the atrium. It was so neat at night.
Some of the guys golfed while a few of us girls hit the spa. Everyone hung out by the pool and enjoyed visiting. Rob arranged for a trolley to take us to Hagen's for dinner. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The food was delicious!
Dancing, bowling, and a little bit of gambling at the casino made for a lot of great entertainment for all. Some of the kids even went horse back riding. The girls loved hanging out with all of their cousins. We all had a blast.
It was a great weekend. One that I will never forget. Rob did an incredible job planning the whole weekend. I can't even imagine how much time and effort he spent to pull it off. Now he has another year to plan my next birthday surprise! :)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lastest Diagnosis
We just returned from Dr. Gupta's office. Unfortunately,the breast cancer has spread to her bones. She has spots on the last 2 vertebrae and 1 on her left shoulder. He is going to treat with a different type of drug called Faslodex. It is a hormone therapy that is administered through a shot once a month. Right now, he does not feel that it is necessary to go with chemotherapy. She will also have Zometa administered through an IV once a month to help keep bones as healthy as possible.
As far as cancer spreading, Dr. Gupta said that it going to the bone is better than flaring up in her liver again. The cancer in the bone usually grows at a slower rate. He really thinks that he can keep it in check without taking drastic measures. Her next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th. Hopefully, we will be able to see some results by that time. However, he told us that it may take a little time for the medicine to work its magic.
Obviously, this is not what we wanted to hear. If one thing is for sure, Teresa will keep a positive attitude and battle the cancer. Please continue to keep Teresa in your thoughts and prayers.
Rob
As far as cancer spreading, Dr. Gupta said that it going to the bone is better than flaring up in her liver again. The cancer in the bone usually grows at a slower rate. He really thinks that he can keep it in check without taking drastic measures. Her next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 26th. Hopefully, we will be able to see some results by that time. However, he told us that it may take a little time for the medicine to work its magic.
Obviously, this is not what we wanted to hear. If one thing is for sure, Teresa will keep a positive attitude and battle the cancer. Please continue to keep Teresa in your thoughts and prayers.
Rob
Thursday, June 2, 2011
PET Scan
I haven't been feeling very good the past few weeks, so I got my tumor marker test done about 4 weeks early. My markers had gone up from 49.7 in March to 62.9. Dr. Gupta ordered a PET Scan so that we can see what is going on. I am getting the scan done this Friday at 2:00. He said the increase means that the cancer has spread or that the tumors have started to grow again. It has been two years since my numbers have gone up. I have been so lucky that it has taken this long for the numbers to start increasing again. I will see Dr. Gupta on Tuesday at 3:00 to get my results. Please pray for us as we await the results.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Happy Spring!
I am so happy that Spring is here! I love to see the buds and blossoms on trees, green grass, and flowers popping up. It makes everything seem alive and renews my spirit.
I love playing outside with the girls. Everything is such an adventure with Kendal. She has a great imagination. We are counting down the days until we open up our pool for the season.
Kendal's birthday is next week. I can't believe my baby will be six years old. The time goes by so quickly.
We have been busy with Rachel's AAU basketball this spring. She is really enjoying it and absolutely loves spending time with the girls on team. It is a lot of fun for all of us.
I have been feeling good, but I am definitely ready for some warm, sunny weather. I am excited about getting our garden planted soon. It is a lot of work, but is really rewarding. The girls enjoy helping with it, too.
Only four more weeks until the girls are out of school for the summer. We are all looking forward to that. I love having them home!
My next doctor appointment is scheduled for June 21st. Dr. Gupta thought we should wait until after my 40th birthday. He said we better have a big celebration!
Thank you so much for your constant prayers and support. It means so much to us to have so many people keeping us in their thoughts. It has definitely made a difference.
I love playing outside with the girls. Everything is such an adventure with Kendal. She has a great imagination. We are counting down the days until we open up our pool for the season.
Kendal's birthday is next week. I can't believe my baby will be six years old. The time goes by so quickly.
We have been busy with Rachel's AAU basketball this spring. She is really enjoying it and absolutely loves spending time with the girls on team. It is a lot of fun for all of us.
I have been feeling good, but I am definitely ready for some warm, sunny weather. I am excited about getting our garden planted soon. It is a lot of work, but is really rewarding. The girls enjoy helping with it, too.
Only four more weeks until the girls are out of school for the summer. We are all looking forward to that. I love having them home!
My next doctor appointment is scheduled for June 21st. Dr. Gupta thought we should wait until after my 40th birthday. He said we better have a big celebration!
Thank you so much for your constant prayers and support. It means so much to us to have so many people keeping us in their thoughts. It has definitely made a difference.
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